Florence County Public Records /Florence County Property Records

Florence County Property Records

What Is Florence County Property Records

Property records in Florence County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Florence County, South Carolina. Property records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-10, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.

The Florence County Register of Deeds maintains the official repository of property records, which includes:

Deeds of conveyance
Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
Liens and lien releases
Plats and surveys
Easements and rights-of-way
Restrictive covenants
Powers of attorney related to real property

The primary purpose of these records is to:

Establish legal ownership through documentation of the chain of title
Provide public notice of property interests and encumbrances
Protect property rights by creating an official record
Facilitate real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
Support property taxation and assessment functions

Property records in Florence County date back to the county's formation in 1888, with some records predating this period having been transferred from parent counties. The Florence County Register of Deeds serves as the custodian of these vital records.

Florence County Register of Deeds
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-G
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3031
Florence County Register of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Florence County?

Property records in Florence County are public information and accessible to all citizens under South Carolina law. This public access is mandated by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-10, which establishes the public's right to access government records, and specifically by South Carolina Code § 30-5-30, which requires that recorded instruments be available for public inspection.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public notice of property interests
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates real estate transactions and commerce

Any member of the public may access Florence County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy applies to all recorded documents, though certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.

The Florence County Register of Deeds maintains these public records and provides access through multiple channels:

In-person inspection at the Register of Deeds office
Online access through the county's property records portal
Written requests for copies of specific documents

While access to view records is free, fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance. These fees are established pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-80, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records.

How To Search Property Records in Florence County in 2026

Florence County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:

Online Search Method:

Visit the Florence County Register of Deeds official website
Navigate to the "Property Records Search" section
Create a free user account if required for access
Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, parcel number)
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the search results and select specific documents to view
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)

In-Person Search Method:

Visit the Florence County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form at the public service counter
Provide specific search criteria to the clerk
Use the public access terminals to conduct self-directed searches
Request assistance from staff for complex searches
Review documents on-site
Request copies of relevant documents (fees apply for copies)

Mail or Email Request Method:

Prepare a written request including specific search criteria
Include contact information and preferred delivery method
Send the request to the Florence County Register of Deeds
Include payment for applicable fees
Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Receive documents via mail or email as requested

The Florence County Assessor's Office also maintains property assessment records that complement the ownership records held by the Register of Deeds.

Florence County Assessor's Office
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-A
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3056
Florence County Assessor

How To Find Property Records in Florence County Online?

Florence County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county's commitment to digital accessibility allows residents and interested parties to search records remotely. To find property records online:

Access the Florence County Register of Deeds online records portal through the county website
Create a user account if required (basic searches may be available without registration)
Select from available search options:
- Name search (grantor/grantee)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Document type and date range
- Book and page number (if known)
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the list of matching documents
Select documents to view, download, or print

For property tax and assessment information, the Florence County Tax Assessor's online database provides:

Current property ownership information
Property valuation and assessment data
Tax history
Basic property characteristics
Zoning information

The Florence County GIS Mapping Portal offers additional property information:

Interactive maps showing property boundaries
Aerial photography
Zoning designations
Flood zones and environmental features
Links to associated property records

Florence County GIS Department
180 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3018
Florence County GIS

For historical property records that may not be digitized, users should contact the Register of Deeds directly to determine availability and access methods.

How To Look Up Florence County Property Records for Free?

Florence County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring expenses:

Free In-Person Access:

Visit the Florence County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
Use the public access terminals available in the office lobby
Staff assistance is available for basic search guidance
Viewing documents on-site is free (copying fees apply)

Free Online Resources:

The Florence County Register of Deeds offers limited free online searches
Basic property information is viewable without fees or registration
The Florence County Tax Assessor's website provides free property assessment data
The Florence County GIS portal offers free access to property maps and basic information

Florence County Public Library System:

Public computers with internet access are available at all branch locations
Library staff can assist with navigating county websites
Some branches maintain local history collections with property information

Florence County Main Library
509 S. Dargan Street
Florence, SC 29506
843-662-8424
Florence County Library System

While basic access is free, users should be aware of the following limitations:

Certified copies require payment of statutory fees
Extensive research assistance may incur service charges
Some advanced search features may require subscription access
Older records may not be available through free online platforms

For complex property searches or extensive research needs, users may benefit from professional assistance from title companies or attorneys specializing in real estate matters, though these services typically involve fees.

What's Included in a Florence County Property Record?

Florence County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents that detail the legal status and history of real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, with the Register of Deeds serving as the primary repository for ownership documents. Property records in Florence County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets).

A typical Florence County property record file contains:

Ownership Documents:

Warranty deeds
Quitclaim deeds
Special warranty deeds
Trustee deeds
Executor's deeds
Tax deeds
Judicial deeds

Financial Encumbrances:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Mortgage satisfactions and releases
Tax liens (federal, state, local)
Mechanics' liens
Judgment liens
Lis pendens notices

Property Description Documents:

Legal descriptions
Plats and surveys
Subdivision maps
Boundary agreements
Easements and rights-of-way

Restrictive Documents:

Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
Homeowners association documents
Conservation easements
Historic preservation designations

Supplementary Information:

Property tax assessment records
Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Zoning classifications
Flood zone designations
Environmental reports (when filed)

The information contained in these records typically includes:

Names of all parties to transactions (grantors/grantees)
Dates of document execution and recording
Consideration paid (purchase price)
Legal description of the property
Parcel identification numbers
References to related documents
Notarizations and witnesses
Recording information (book/page or instrument number)

These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-40, which establishes requirements for the content and format of recordable instruments affecting real property.

How Long Does Florence County Keep Property Records?

Florence County maintains property records permanently in accordance with South Carolina state law and records retention requirements. The permanent preservation of property records is mandated by the South Carolina Public Records Act § 30-1-10 and specific retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:

Permanent Retention:

Deeds and conveyances
Mortgages and satisfactions
Plats and surveys
Easements and rights-of-way
Restrictive covenants
Liens and lien satisfactions
Powers of attorney related to real property
Probate records affecting real property
Condominium master deeds and declarations
Subdivision declarations

Long-Term Retention (25+ years):

Building permits for significant structures
Certificates of occupancy
Zoning variances and special exceptions
Historic designation documents

Medium-Term Retention (7-15 years):

Temporary easements
Construction permits for minor structures
Temporary use permits
Some tax records

The Florence County Register of Deeds has implemented a comprehensive records management program that includes:

Digital conversion of historical records
Climate-controlled storage for original documents
Backup systems for electronic records
Disaster recovery protocols

For historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1888, the county maintains both the original documents (when available) and digital or microfilm copies. Some pre-1888 records from parent counties have also been preserved.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History provides additional archival support for historically significant property records through its Local Government Records Management Program.

How To Find Liens on Property In Florence County?

Locating liens on property in Florence County requires searching multiple record repositories, as liens may be filed by various governmental entities and private parties. The following methods provide comprehensive access to lien information:

Register of Deeds Search:

Access the Florence County Register of Deeds records system
Search by property owner name, property address, or parcel number
Filter results to show only lien documents
Review documents categorized as:
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens
- Mortgage liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
- Other statutory liens

Florence County Clerk of Court:

Visit or contact the Clerk of Court office
Request a judgment lien search against the property owner
Review civil judgment records that may affect the property
Check for pending litigation (lis pendens) that could result in liens

Florence County Clerk of Court
180 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3031
Florence County Clerk of Court

Tax Lien Search:

Contact the Florence County Treasurer's Office
Request information on delinquent property taxes
Verify if tax liens have been filed against the property
Check for tax sale notices affecting the property

Florence County Treasurer
180 N. Irby Street, MSC-T
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3013
Florence County Treasurer

Federal Tax Lien Search:

Search the Register of Deeds records for federal tax liens
Contact the IRS for verification of federal tax liens
Check with the U.S. District Court for federal judgments

Additional Lien Resources:

Professional title search companies can conduct comprehensive lien searches
Attorneys specializing in real estate can review and interpret lien documents
Credit reporting agencies may show personal liens against property owners

Liens in Florence County are governed by various statutes, including South Carolina Code § 29-5-10 for mechanics' liens and South Carolina Code § 12-54-120 for tax liens. These statutes establish the requirements for creating valid liens and the procedures for their enforcement.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Florence County?

The Property Owner Rule in Florence County refers to a set of legal principles and regulations that govern property ownership, use, and transfer within the county. These rules are derived from South Carolina state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents. The fundamental aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:

Ownership Recording Requirements:

Property ownership in Florence County must be officially recorded to establish legal title. Under South Carolina Code § 30-7-10, unrecorded conveyances of real property are valid between the parties but void against subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice. This creates a "race-notice" system where:

First to record a valid deed generally has priority
Purchasers must record promptly to protect their interests
Title searches are essential before property transactions

Property Tax Responsibilities:

Property owners in Florence County are subject to annual property taxes based on assessed value. Key requirements include:

Payment of property taxes by January 15th each year
Responsibility for notifying the assessor of property improvements
Eligibility for homestead exemptions for primary residences
Potential tax sales for delinquent properties after specified periods

Land Use Regulations:

Florence County property owners must comply with established zoning and land use regulations:

Properties must be used in accordance with zoning designations
Building permits are required for new construction and significant renovations
Subdivision of property must follow county subdivision regulations
Historic properties may have additional use restrictions

Riparian Rights and Water Access:

For properties adjacent to waterways, Florence County follows South Carolina's riparian rights doctrine, which:

Grants property owners reasonable use of adjacent water bodies
Restricts obstruction of natural water flow
Requires permits for docks, bulkheads, and similar structures
Preserves public access to navigable waterways

Adverse Possession:

Under South Carolina law, property can be acquired through adverse possession after 10 years of open, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile possession. Property owners must:

Monitor boundaries and encroachments
Address trespassing promptly
Maintain clear property lines

Eminent Domain Provisions:

Government entities in Florence County may exercise eminent domain powers for public purposes, subject to:

Payment of just compensation
Due process requirements
Public necessity determination
Right of property owners to challenge valuations

These property ownership rules are administered by various county departments, including the Register of Deeds, Assessor's Office, Planning Department, and Building Inspections, working in coordination to ensure proper implementation of property regulations throughout Florence County.